5 Reasons Why Tampa Bay Buccaneers Won't Win NFC South in 2014

5 Reasons Why Tampa Bay Buccaneers Won't Win NFC South in 2014

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made some significant improvements this offseason in hopes of turning the team around. Between the hiring of Coach Lovie Smith and some other solid acquisitions, the Bucs could be on their way to success. However, I do believe there is still work to be done. With that said, here are five reason why they won’t win the NFC South in 2014.

5. Cornerback Depth

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

5. Cornerback Depth

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

Acquiring Alterraun Verner after the departure of Darrelle Revis was a great move. However, the cornerback situation is a bit iffy after that. Johnthan Banks is solid and Leonard Johnson could be on the rise, but nothing more than that for now. Rashaan Melvin and Deveron Carr have yet to prove themselves in the NFL. Lack of depth could mean trouble against the quarterbacks of the NFC South.

4. Quarterbacks

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

4. Quarterbacks

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

Regardless of who’s starting for the Bucs when the season kicks off, Josh McCown and Mike Glennon would both have trouble competing with the likes of Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan. McCown is experienced and Glennon is emerging, but let’s face it -- there’s still no competition there.

3. Pass Protection

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

3. Pass Protection

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

Tamps Bay’s pass protection was not so good last season. In fact, the team allowed 47 sacks in 2013, which was the sixth worst in the NFL. Since signing with the Bucs to a generous contract in 2012, former Saints guard Carl Nicks has been nothing but a disappointment. New Orleans and Carolina are pass-rushing powerhouses. Some serious improvements on the offensive line need to be made.

2. Lack of Defensive Turnovers

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

2. Lack of Defensive Turnovers

Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

The Bucs ranked No. 21 in the NFL last season with 21 takeaways. Their turnover differential (-7) ranked at 26 overall. With the loss of Darrelle Revis and addition of Alterraun Verner, don’t expect those numbers to change too much. Verner is solid, but he does not have an island named after him just yet. Some of the younger guys will have to step it up in 2014.

1. The New Orleans Saints

Derick E. Hingle- USA Today Sports

1. The New Orleans Saints

Derick E. Hingle- USA Today Sports

Tampa Bay had a terrific offseason and could make a legitimate run in the division this year. However, the New Orleans Saints are looking at one of their best rosters in years, so it will be tough for anybody to top them in the NFC South. Regardless, I do expect a significant improvement from 2013. Coach Lovie Smith was a great hire and the Buccaneers could be on their way to success very soon.